Accrington lap-dancing club approved for licence renewal (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Accrington lap-dancing club approved for licence renewal

11:40am Wednesday 21st November 2012 in Hyndburn By Lisa Woodhouse, Assistant picture editor

A LICENCE renewal for a lap-dancing bar in Accrington has been approved by Hyndburn councillors.

iCandy opened in July 2012 after being granted the initial licence in October 2011, amid opposition from some members of the community.

At yesterday’s licensing committee at Scaitcliffe House, the Rev Kevin Logan spoke against the application.

He said: “This is the fourth time we have brought objections before Hyndburn authority with regard to iCandy. Our objections are not vexatious or time-wasting.

“The sexual entertainment venue you consider today is in the town centre, opposite the town hall, 50 yards from an all-age gathering place in the parish church grounds.

“We now have a very real problem of family and children side-by-side and mixing with customers on evenings, such as crib blessings and carol singing.”

Mr Logan also complained that the venue used a pair legs on the posters to advertise the venue, which he said is not allowed under the licensing agreement.

iCandy owner Antony Carr said the Blackburn Road venue only opened on Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm. It employs six doormen, three barstaff, cleaners and five regular dancers.

He said: “We are not pushing people in with a pointy stick. It’s up to individuals if they wish to visit.”

Coun Clare Pritchard said: “This is a dancing venue, not a brothel. Their customers are not monsters, or perverts or predators.

“I don’t see what is offensive about a naked or semi-naked body. You see legs on a box of tights and no one objects to these.”

The licensing committee agreed to the renewal of the venue’s licence.

Speaking after the decision, Mr Carr said: “ We will try and continue in a safe and proper manner, as we have been doing.”